Sport can do more than keep kids active. With structured reflection, coaching and community it becomes a powerful alternative to gambling. Explore the Safeling findings and free toolkit for schools, clubs and families.

Focus groups in Germany, Greece and Serbia found gambling among adolescents is widespread, starts very early, and is increasingly normalized, especially through sports advertising, influencer culture and gambling-like features in video games. Professionals say sport can be a strong protective environment, but only when combined with intentional education, parental engagement and multi-stakeholder action.

Key findings

• High prevalence and early start

In Greece the national survey showed 93% had gambled and over half began before age 13.

• Normalization via sports & media

Betting is often presented as "part of the culture". Sports sponsorships, athletes and influencers make gambling seem normal and desirable.

• Gaming → gambling gateway

Loot boxes, skins and e-sports betting blur lines between play and betting. Parents and many teachers lack awareness of these mechanics.

• Legal reform vs enforcement gap

Recent law changes (age verification, ad rules) are positive but stakeholders doubt enforcement, especially online.

• Sport is promising - if intentional

Pure competition alone isn't enough. Programs that combine physical activity with values reflection, resilience training and peer leadership are seen as most effective.

Country highlights

Germany

• Focus group (Cologne) of 17 professionals highlighted that the awareness of youth gambling is low and responses are fragmented. Gambling, especially sports betting, is culturally normalized among boys. Ages of initiation are often 11–14.
• Professionals suggested interventions that integrate prevention into curricula, peer workshops, and sports training that includes reflection on values/emotions.

"Often, it's too late by the time parents notice." - German focus group participant.

Greece

• National survey + focus group showed very high prevalence (93% gambled), where many started before 13.

• Professionals emphasized media literacy, youth-created content and family outreach as priorities.

"We need relatable scenarios about online and peer gambling." - Greek stakeholders.

Serbia

• Focus group of 19 professionals expressed similar concerns about normalization, blurred gaming/gambling lines, and skepticism about enforcement of recent legal amendments.

• By sports actors, sport is seen as valuable when paired with education and adult involvement.

If sport is just about competition, it won't help much. Reflection on values is key." - Serbian coach.